Shifterati

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Original Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007–2014

A retro two-row SUV on the 4Runner's chassis, styled after the FJ40, with a white roof, round headlights and rear-hinged half doors. One V6, a choice of 2WD or two kinds of 4WD, and a rear locker on many.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Bulging or cracked inner fenders and door openings 2007–2008 One source so far

    What to check: Look at the upper inner fenders and the front of the door openings for bulges, tears or cracks.

    Twisting off-road can cause it on early trucks, and it can also point to a past crash. The review says it was addressed from 2009.

    Sources 1

  • Weak rear differential on early trucks 2007 One source so far

    What to check: In tight, slow turns with light throttle, listen for clicking, groaning or popping, and feel for binding.

    Wheelspin with the locker engaged, and oversized tires, add to the strain.

    Sources 1

  • Water inside All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for wet or moldy carpet, and look for silt behind the low door seals and stains low on the carpet.

    A blocked air-conditioning drain can cause it. A truck that has been in deep water is one to walk away from.

    Sources 1

  • Frame rust or cracks All years One source so far

    What to check: Look at the frame for rust and cracks, above all under the engine.

    Sources 1

  • Sagging seats All years One source so far

    What to check: Notice on the test drive whether the seat sinks toward the floor.

    Sources 1

  • Faulty off-road electronics All years One source so far

    What to check: Try A-TRAC and the rear locker. A blinking light on the dash means a fault.

    Sources 1

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Sought after: 2009 and later trucks 2009–2014 One source so far

    Autotrader.ca's used review recommends a 2009 or later, after the cracking around the fenders and door openings was addressed.1

  • Avoid: Modified or hard-used trucks Non-factory wheels, tires or suspension Less sought after One source so far

    The same review says to avoid trucks with non-factory wheels, tires or suspension, and any that have been used hard off-road.1

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources

  1. Autotrader.ca used review